Dynamic mechanical thermal properties of a new metal/polymer composite for fused deposition modelling process

This paper introduces an entirely new metal based composite material for direct rapid tooling application using Fused Deposition Modelling rapid prototyping system with desired mechanical and thermal properties and characteristics. The paper specifically describes the results of the dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) of this new metal/polymer composite material, consisting of iron particles in nylon type matrix, for use in FDM process and with the aim of application to direct rapid tooling for injection moulding. The work represents a major development in the direction of direct rapid tooling for reducing the cost and time in tooling manufacture for injection moulding.